Why ‘Government Cheese’ is the zany dramedy of the summer

Summer TV has a new oddball contender, and it’s none other than Government Cheese. This Apple TV+ dramedy, set in the late 1960s San Fernando Valley, dives into the quirky lives of the Chambers family, a Black household chasing wild dreams amid a backdrop of social realism. With David Oyelowo leading as ex-convict Hampton, Government Cheese blends zany whimsy with heartfelt grit, making it the unexpected breakout we didn’t know we needed.

A Surreal Summer Standout

Diving deeper into Government Cheese, the Apple TV+ series has sparked buzz for its bold, surreal tone. Set against the vibrant yet gritty late 60s San Fernando Valley, it captures the Chambers family’s eccentric pursuits—like inventing odd gadgets—while navigating systemic challenges with a dreamlike flair.

Critics and fans alike are split on Government Cheese, with reviews highlighting both its charm and incoherence. The Los Angeles Times praises its visual strikingness, while The Guardian calls it a whimsical mess lacking narrative focus. Still, David Oyelowo’s performance as Hampton consistently earns nods for depth and charisma.

Social chatter reflects a mixed but curious reception for Government Cheese. Posts on X show viewers appreciating the retro aesthetic and standout acting, though some find early episodes uneven. The consensus? It’s a peculiar gem worth watching for its unique vibe and Oyelowo’s magnetic presence.

Ratings Reveal the Divide

Diving into the critical reception of Government Cheese, Rotten Tomatoes shows a polarized response for Season 1. With scores still settling as of early June 2025, critics commend the visual flair and David Oyelowo’s nuanced performance, though some note the narrative’s occasional disjointedness.

On Reddit, discussions about Government Cheese echo this split. Threads on r/television reveal fans drawn to the late ‘60s San Fernando Valley setting and the Chambers family’s oddball charm, but others critique the pacing, feeling the zany elements overpower the drama. It’s a love-it-or-hate-it vibe.

Despite the divide, Government Cheese holds a unique spot in summer TV. Its blend of surreal comedy and grounded family struggles—rooted in Hampton’s post-prison journey—keeps viewers hooked, even if they’re not always sure what they’re watching. The ratings reflect a show daring to be different.

Behind the Zany Vision

Delving into the origins of Government Cheese, the Apple TV+ series began as a feature film script over a decade ago. Cinematographer Lloyd received a cold call from co-creator Paul Hunter, sparking a breakfast meeting that birthed this quirky project, later evolving into a short and finally a show.

The transformation of Government Cheese showcases a persistent creative drive. Initially a 20-minute short starring David Oyelowo, it caught Apple’s eye during the pitch process. This journey from script to screen highlights the team’s commitment to a surreal family saga set in the late ‘60s San Fernando Valley.

Hunter and Oyelowo, key forces behind Government Cheese, have discussed in interviews how the title nods to both the literal welfare food and a metaphor for aspiration. Their vision—to break stereotypes and blend whimsy with reality—fuels the show’s distinct tone, making it a standout, if divisive, summer watch.

Episode 9. Evan Ellison, Jahi Di’Allo Winston, David Oyelowo and Simone Missick in “Government Cheese,” premiering April 16, 2025 on Apple TV+.

Unpacking the Chambers’ Charm

Diving into the heart of Government Cheese, the Chambers family’s idiosyncratic pursuits steal the show. Set in the late 1960s San Fernando Valley, their obsessions with inventions and eagle feather hunting paint a picture of dreamers defying the era’s harsh realities with unapologetic flair.

This Apple TV+ dramedy uses Government Cheese as more than a title—it’s a nod to resilience. Inspired by the processed food distributed to low-income families, it symbolizes the ingenuity of Hampton’s mother’s sandwiches, reflecting the family’s aspiration to rise above struggle through creativity and grit.

The unique vibe of Government Cheese keeps viewers intrigued, even amid divisive reviews. The Chambers’ blend of surreal pursuits and grounded emotion—rooted in Hampton’s post-incarceration journey—offers a fresh take on family sagas, making this series a bold, if polarizing, summer standout.

The Verdict’s In

Ultimately, Government Cheese stands as the summer’s most daring dramedy on Apple TV+. Its quirky Chambers family saga, wrapped in late 1960s San Fernando Valley vibes, splits opinion but never bores. Love or loathe it, Government Cheese proves television can still surprise with raw, zany heart.